Camassia are the most long lived and tolerant of bulbs you can grow. They like to be in full sun or partial shade and do better in the garden than in pots/containers. That said, pots are fine for growing Camassia in, they just like to have a bit of gravel at the bottom to promote better drainage. Camassia need planting in the Autumn for producing tall, elegant blue or white spires in the April/May. Planting Camassia alongside other spring flowers like Leucojum or Narcissi would bring the joys of spring to your borders or pots. Camassia are great for naturalising in grassland areas.
Planting Camassia in the garden
When planting in the garden, find a location where there is full sun if you have moist soil. However, if you have a slightly drier soil, then your camassia would prefer to be situated in a shadier location receiving 4-5 hours of sunlight per day.
Camassia bulbs are rounded with pointy ends. Plant your bulbs with the pointy end facing upwards, 8-10cm (3-4″) deep. Space your camassia 8-10cm (3-4″) part. After planting, water in the camassia well, gently soaking the soil to settle it around the bulbs.
Planting Camassia in pots
Better suited for growing in the garden but can be planted in pots with an added layer of grit at the bottom of the pot. Use a good-quality multipurpose compost and position your pot in partial shade. Plant with the pointy end up so the shoot grows upwards and the roots form below the bulb. Plant your camassia bulbs 8-10cm (3-4″) deep.
caring for CAMASSIA
- For best naturalising results, leave the plants undisturbed; they’ll be fine for years in the same spot.
- After blooming has finished for the season leave the foliage in place; don’t cut it off. The leaves will gather sunlight, create food through photosynthesis and strengthen the bulbs for the future.
- Water as needed during active growth periods.
- By mid summer the leaves may yellow and die back. Foliage may be removed at this point.
- Camassia prefer to be undisturbed. These are not the best plants to use for containers.
